Women bull riders to make their Hesperia rodeo debut

For the first time, women will be engaging in competitive bull riding at this year's Hesperia rodeo.

"They're a new organization," said Don Webb, recreation supervisor for the Hesperia Recreation and Park District, of the Womens Rough Stock Foundation. "They're working their way into the rodeo circuit. And I'm jumped on it, man, because I've seen them before, and they're awesome."

There will be pre-show entertainment by members of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment Blackhawk detachment.

The Hesperia Wranglers drill team will also perform, "for the first time in seven or eight years, and that'll be cute, because it's mostly kids," Webb said. "And it's nice to get locals back involved as well."

Nationally recognized "rope artist" Tomas Garcilazo, who won the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association 2007 Specialty Act of the Year award, will be leaping, twirling and more.

"Rodeo is the perfect family event. It's a great place to take kids. It's family, family, family. Lots of entertainment; the clowns are hilarious. We're going to have radio personalities walk around," Webb said. "For a new family, it's a perfect way to get the essence of Hesperia.

The Hesperia Recreation and Park District's 2008 Rodeo will be held on Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7, at 7:30 p.m.

Pre-sale tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for kids 6 to 12, and are available until June 5. Tickets on June 6 and 7 are $14 for adults and $12 for kids 6 to 12.

Beau Yarbrough can be reached at 956-7108 or at beau@hesperiastar.com.